Bored Panda reached out to the creator of ‘Bluntcards’ and asked some new questions about their vintage-themed images. First, we were curious about some of their biggest influences that shaped their work in both art and humor. We learned that: “My mood influences growing up were mostly women like Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, Carol Burnett and Lucy. I think I've always admired funny women who can handle themselves in a world dominated by men.
I wanted to be the next Andy Warhol when I was in high school. Loved his colorful, graphic style and I wanted to live in a huge loft in New York surrounded by creative, interesting people. I have also always loved vintage advertisements from 1950s magazines. The big, perfect hairdos and cool clothes match so well with snarky sayings.”
The artist shared with us some of the biggest challenges they face while working with such a distinct style and tone: “What is considered offensive seems to change daily, now. If I really thought something I wrote would do some kind of damage I wouldn't do it, but some people go out of their way to be offended. People are also extremely political now and any hint of a political viewpoint that doesn't align with theirs, they'll make sure I know they've unfollowed and blocked me. There was a time when people understood I was going to push the envelope of what’s acceptable and that’s why they liked Bluntcard. But, things are different now.”
Conversely, the author of unique greeting cards told us as well what they find most rewarding about creating Bluntcards: “I license my artwork to a few companies to put on their products. I had someone send me a picture they took in a Whole Foods Market in Texas of a rack of cocktail napkins with my art on them. It was thrilling! To think that people were shopping for their expensive groceries and pushing their buggies past Bluntcards on napkins made me feel so accomplished.
I've seen my licensed products in shops in my own hometown and it feels very strange and cool at the same time.
I enjoy the sense of community built around Bluntcard on my social media platforms, of like-minded people who share a style of humor. Feels kind of like a clubhouse. I enjoy the company of the people who follow Bluntcard.”
When asked about upcoming projects the artist is excited about for Bluntcards, they answered: “I just posted Bluntcard versions of the zodiac signs. People seem to be enjoying them. I think I’ll do another set called Worst Traits of the Zodiac Signs. I'm planning on doing some animations for TikTok and Instagram Reels. I’m also working on a line of pulp-board bar coasters to offer wholesale.”
Lastly, we found out more about some of the artist’s personal favorite ‘Bluntcards’ and stories behind creating them: “‘Hey, Trainwreck. This isn’t your station.’ It's probably the most popular Bluntcard to date. I was hesitant to post it when I first made it, I thought it was too obvious, too simple. I finally posted it on Facebook and it took off. It was viewed and shared millions of times. I couldn’t believe it. This is the hope every time I post a new card, but nothing has ever come close to that.
Many of my most popular cards and products are inspired by my frustration with real people in my life. Someone might be super annoying and I think about what I want to say to them, but then I just go write it down and put it on a Bluntcard when I get home.
‘I’m not in a bad mood. I’m just too lazy to intend to like you today.’ And ‘No offense, but I just don’t have the energy to deal with your needy ass today.’ There are two examples.”
